What do parents need to know?
The crying of an infant is one of the most common reasons young parents turn to a pediatrician. If the child is healthy, gaining weight well, but cries inconsolably for a certain amount of time every day, it is likely to be the infant distress syndrome, or baby colic.
This condition causes a lot of anxiety; however, it is important to remember that colic in infants is not a disease and does not pose a threat to the child's health. It is a temporary functional state that resolves on its own as the body matures.
What is infant distress syndrome?
Infant distress syndrome (colic in infants) is a functional disorder of early childhood characterized by recurrent episodes of prolonged crying, restlessness, and irritability in children under 5 months of age without an apparent cause.
Between episodes, the child feels well: actively suckles, grows normally, develops according to age, and shows no signs of illness.
When does it most often occur?
There is a characteristic age progression:
- onset — at 2–3 weeks of life;
- most intense manifestations — at 6–8 weeks;
- gradual reduction of symptoms after two months;
- in most children, complete disappearance by 3–5 months.
This is why this condition is often referred to as a "temporary stage of infant development."
How does it manifest?
During an episode, a child may:
- cry loudly and for a long time without an apparent reason;
- turn red;
- clench fists;
- pull legs to the belly;
- arch their back;
- tense the abdominal muscles;
- have difficulty calming down even after feeding.
Such episodes most often occur in the late afternoon or evening and may repeat almost daily.
Why does distress (colic) occur?
There is no single cause.
Modern research indicates that the most probable mechanisms are:
- immaturity of the nervous system;
- adaptation of the digestive system following birth;
- features of the intestinal microbiome;
- increased sensitivity of the nervous system to external stimuli;
- immaturity of the interactions between the brain and the gut.
At the same time, scientific studies do not confirm that infant distress syndrome arises from "excess gas," inappropriate breast milk, or parenting mistakes in caring for the child.
Should the mother change her diet?
In most cases — no.
If the child is growing well, has no rashes, blood in the stool, or other allergy symptoms, strict dietary restrictions for the mother are not necessary.
Only if there is a suspicion of an allergy to cow's milk proteins may the doctor recommend temporarily eliminating dairy products or using a specialized therapeutic formula.
It is not advised to change the diet on your own or to switch the child to another formula.
How can you help the child?
The most effective methods are simple non-pharmacological approaches:
- skin-to-skin contact;
- holding the child in your arms;
- gentle rocking;
- white noise or calm monotonous sounds;
- clockwise massage of the tummy;
- tummy time while awake;
- a calm atmosphere at home;
- supporting the emotional state of the parents.
Sometimes, simply changing the child's position or providing a sense of security is enough for the crying to gradually stop.
Are medications necessary?
Currently, there is no medication that reliably resolves this condition.
According to modern international recommendations:
- simethicone has not demonstrated convincing effectiveness;
- antispasmodics are not recommended;
- herbal remedies and "fennel water" do not have sufficient evidence;
- proton pump inhibitors are not used without confirmed gastroesophageal reflux.
In some breastfed infants, a positive effect may be noted from the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938. The appropriateness of its use is determined by the doctor.
When is it necessary to urgently consult a pediatrician?
An urgent consultation is needed if, along with crying, the following occurs:
- body temperature over 38 °C;
- vomiting, especially green in color;
- blood in the stool;
- refusal to feed;
- inadequate weight gain;
- pronounced lethargy;
- sudden abdominal distension;
- the nature of the crying has changed or has started after the age of 5 months.
In such cases, it is necessary to rule out other causes of concern for the child.
Myths and facts
Myth: Colic occurs due to gas.
Fact: Modern studies do not support that gas formation is the main cause of colic.
Myth: If the baby cries, the mother has "wrong" milk.
Fact: Breast milk is not the cause of colic and remains the best nutrition for the infant.
Myth: Colic needs to be treated with strong medications.
Fact: The foundation of assistance is parental support, proper care, and observation of the child.
The main thing to remember
Infant distress syndrome is a temporary functional condition that is part of the infant's adaptation to life outside the mother's womb.
Despite prolonged crying, the child remains healthy, grows well, and develops. The most effective "medications" are love, patience, physical contact with parents, and support from the pediatrician.
If you have doubts about the child's condition or if there are concerning symptoms, please call our contact center or fill out the form on the website. The pediatricians of the "Dobrobut" Medical Network will help assess the child's condition, rule out organic causes of crying, and provide recommendations based on the principles of evidence-based medicine.
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